Russell Weir, the joint record holder for PGA Cup appearances, can look forward to renewing rivalries with the United States after being announced as Great Britain & Ireland’s captain for the 2011 match.
Weir, the PGA professional at Cowal Golf Club in Dunoon, Argyll, will lead GB&I against their US counterparts at the California resort of CordeValle from 16-18 September. He succeeds Gary Alliss and is tasked with attempting to recapture the famous Llandudno Trophy, which the Americans retained at The Carrick on Loch Lomond last September.
The 58-year-old was one of Scotland’s most accomplished players during the 80s & 90s, winning five Scottish Order of Merits, a Northern Open title and back-to-back PGA Professional Championships in 1987 & 88.
It was this consistency that earned Weir eight successive appearances from 1986-2000 to equal David Huish’s record and also made him the second highest points scorer, a tally that includes 15 wins.
PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: “Russell has been a stalwart of Scottish golf for many years and enjoys a distinguished association with the PGA Cup which I’m delighted will continue with his role as captain for the 2011 match. He is a vastly experienced player and has an astute knowledge of the game which I’m sure will serve the Great Britain & Ireland team well.”
Weir, who played his last match in the narrow defeat at Celtic Manor in 2000, admits his appointment is a career high.
“This is the highest point in my career,” he said. “I always felt that when I was not able to play in the PGA Cup team that I would love to be captain and be involved in some way. To get the call is a fantastic honour. I was so excited when I got the call that I was not able to sleep just thinking about it. I have always loved team sports especially in golf and to be part of the PGA Cup again is fantastic.”
He added: “It’s an honour representing your country, when that flag goes up you get a lump in your throat and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I’ve got so many great memories of the PGA Cup. My first match was Knollwood Country Club in Illinois and I always remember David Huish being in that team. I really looked up to him and he helped me through and gave me a great insight.”
Weir played under several PGA Cup captains and already has a clear picture of the kind of leadership he intends to bring to the contest.
The news of Weir’s appointment follows on from the recent announcement that De Vere Slaley Hall has been chosen to host the matches when they return to British shores in 2013.
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